Mary T. Stein, 98, Hankinson, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at St. Gerard’s Community of Care in Hankinson.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 8, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Convent Chapel in Hankinson.
Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Hankinson. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Stein, Bryan Moser, Jaymie Moser, Anthony Wahler, Matt Nagel, and Jeff Stein.
Mary Therese Reinke was born to Joseph A. and Margaret B. (Braun) Reinke on February 6, 1928, in Faribault, MN. She acquired her education at a rural Mooreton Township School, St. Francis Academy, the College of St. Catherine St. Paul, and Valley City State College where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and remained an active supporter of Valley City State University. Mary received her first holy communion and confirmation at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Mooreton, ND. On July 6, 1940, Mary and her parents experienced a traumatic event when a tornado ripped through their rural farmyard, destroying nearly every existing structure at that time.
In 1949, she was united in marriage to Milton Stein. The first thirteen years of their marriage they lived on the Stein family farm in Waldo township. In 1962, they moved from the farm into Hankinson to help care for Mary’s mother due to declining health, where they resided with their family. In 1996, Milton passed away and she continued to live at their home until 2014 when she moved into the Independent Living Unit at St. Gerard’s Community of Care where she continued to reside for the next eleven years.
Throughout her teaching career, she taught in local rural schools, Mantador Elementary School, St. Francis Academy, and Hankinson Public School. Later, she served as a substitute teacher. She always kept her teaching career at the forefront of her life and was so proud of her bachelor’s degree as in those days, receiving one was rare.
She was an active member of St. Philip’s Catholic Church for 84 years, and was, one of the oldest surviving members. She was a member of the Tabernacle Guild, had a passion for her faith, and enjoyed living out her faith with those around her.
Within the community, she was an active member of the Woman’s Literary Club, St. Francis Academy Mother’s Club, Cultura Club, and the Hankinson Senior Citizens. In addition to being highly involved in each of these clubs, Mary also served in various officer roles. With her community involvement, she was also an avid supporter of the Republican Party and was proud of the fact that she voted in every election since 1952.
She enjoyed traveling, especially family trips to Medora, trips with friends to Branson, Las Vegas, and southern Minnesota to the birthplace of her and her mother. She also visited various casinos taking along with her, her various “tips and tricks for the machines to pay out.” She loved taking her family out to eat and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mary will most be remembered for her spunky, outspoken, witty, and thoughtful personality. She enjoyed visiting with people and could always strike up a conversation with anyone of any age. Her friends were made up of many different ages. She always had a passion for sharing her family’s achievements and next future endeavors with those around her.
Mary is survived by her son Bruce (Debra) Stein, Hankinson, ND; son-in-law Darrell Moser, Fargo, ND; grandchildren Bryan (Brenda) Moser, Mandan, ND; Jaymie (Melinda) Moser, Fargo, ND; Nicole (Anthony) Wahler, Hankinson, ND; Brianna (Matt) Nagel, Fargo, ND; Jimmy (Alyssa) Stein, West Fargo ND; great-grandchildren Brady, Brandon, and Bryson Moser, John and Hayden Moser, Dawson, Easton, and Brekkon Wahler, Grant and Henry Nagel, and Abigail and Elizabeth Stein; many nieces and nephews, several first cousins, and several special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Milton; son James Stein; daughter Barbara Moser; and parents Joseph and Margaret (Braun) Reinke.
The family invites anyone to wear Mary’s favorite color purple in her honor for the funeral. There will be some time, toward the end of the funeral ceremony, for anyone to share fond memories of Mary if you wish to do so.
The Frank Family Funeral Home in Hankinson is in charge of the arrangements.
